Tithwal in J&K was captured on 23 May
1948. After that date, the enemy made numerous attempts to recapture Richhmar
Gali and thence Tithwal on 13 October 1948, coinciding with ID, the enemy
decided to launch a brigade attack to retake Richhmar Gali and bypassing
Tithwal advance into the Srinagar
valley. Lance Naik (later Sub & Hony Captain) was commanding a section. The
enemy commenced his attack with heavy shelling of guns and mortars. The fire
was so accurate that not a single bunker in the platoon locality was left
unscathed. Communication trenches caved in. Bravely Lance Naik Karam Singh went
from bunker to bunker, giving succor to the wounded and urging the men to
fight. The enemy launched eight separate attacks that day. In one such attack,
the enemy managed to obtain a foothold in the platoon locality. Immediately
lance Naik Karam Singh, who was severely wounded by then, with a few men,
hurled himself in a counter-attack and evicted the enemy after a close quarter
encounter which accounted for many enemy dead, having been dispatched by the
bayonet.

Lance Naik Karam Singh proved himself to be
a dauntless and born leader of men in crisis. Nothing could subdue him and no
amount of fire or hardship could break his spirit. His gallant actions on the
day inspired his colleagues to face the massive onslaught unflinchingly. It was
his fiercely proud spirit, which was largely responsible fo the gallant stand
at Tithwal that day.